Reports today indicate that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has initially retained state funding for the long-planned for Purple Line in his first state budget. Based on those reports, Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz applauded the decision in the following statement:

“We were pleased to see that both Purple Line and Red Line funding remaining in Governor Hogan’s first Maryland budget. The Purple Line is a good deal for Maryland, good for jobs, good for the economy and good for commuters.

“Given the Governor’s emphasis on improving Maryland’s economy, we’re confident that the Purple Line is the ideal investment for providing the jobs and economic development boost the Governor seeks. Business groups agree, expressing a loud and unified message in support of the Purple Line — from the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Chambers of Commerce, to the real estate development industry and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

“By investing $300 to $700 million in the Purple Line, the state will leverage another $1.7 to $2.1 billion in private, local, and federal funding. Delaying or cancelling the project would forego the local and private investment, and $900 million in federal funds, which would then go to other states. Another $170 million has already been invested in planning, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition, and private firms have spent tens of millions on preparing bids. Walking away would waste taxpayer money, discourage future public-private partnerships, and forego a significant economic development opportunity.

“We look forward to seeing the details on the Governor’s budget, and will continue to work with businesses, residents and elected officials to encourage Governor Hogan to keep the Purple Line on track.”

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